User Reviews

Strengths: Easy to clip in and out, Durable, Relatively light, Supportive, Possible to ride short distances with regular shoes

Weaknesses: If I had to name one, the cage is plastic...

Bottom Line:

I bought these because I had a set of M540 pedals, and found: 1, that they were difficult to quickly clip into when trying to start on a hill as they would rotate out of the way. 2, that if you didn't get clipped in right away it was difficlut to pedal because the contact area was so small. 3, that it was not really possible ride the bike if only for a short distance without clipless shoes. And 4, that when really cranking on the pedals to get up a climb, the contact area on the bottom of the shoe was so small that it created a lot of pressure in one place on the bottom of my foot. These pedals came highly recommended to me by my LBS mechanic who is an avid rider, and they solve all of the above problems. He stated that he uses these and loves them. Plus, they're cheaper than my old set! They are very easy to clip into, as the pedal does not rotate away from your foot, and it holds the clip mechanism up so you just push forward and down and you're in. They unclip easily when crashing (spoken from experience). The cage adds support to my foot when really cranking on the pedals. It is possible to comfortably apply pedal pressure to these even if not quite clipped in yet, and if you needed to, a short ride with regular shoes would not be a problem, as the clip mechanism is spring loaded and moves down when you put a regular shoe on it. I have smashed them into a few rocks already and they have no more than a few scratches on them. Functionally, they are fine. Overall, a good pedal for a pretty decent price.

Weaknesses: Can't use with normal shoes as the clip mechanism protrudes permanently above cage: when you push down the 'pop-up' bit, the back of the mechanism rises, so the ball of your foot rests permanently on the raised steel mechanism. This is not comfortable in soft soled shoes, and lacks grip in stiff soled shoes as they are lifted off the plastic cage.
Also poor to use when clipped in: the clipping-in part is fine, but once the shoe sinks down into the clip, the shoe tread makes contact with the cage and resists the twisting movement required to release.

Bottom Line:

A big disappointment and complete waste of money. I bought these hoping that they would be dual purpose so I could ride either with work shoes or my shimanos. Turns out to be useless in either role, so for now I'll go back to swapping my PD-M540 s with the platforms.

Strengths: Easy to clip in. Good size platform for when not clipped in.

Weaknesses: Kind of creaky.

Bottom Line:

I have had these pedals about 8 months and put a lot of miles on them. The only problem I have is that they are a little creaky, but it is not intolerable. I have hit the resin cage on plenty of rocks and they have yet to break.

Overall Rating:

Value Rating:

Submitted by
John Appsteam
a Weekend Warrior

Date Reviewed: September 22, 2012

Strengths: Others in trail can hear your location due to the creaking sound they make

Weaknesses: Broke down in 6 months with fairly light use as a beginner. The plastic thing on the outside does not hold up.

Bottom Line:

bought these in the hope of having a simple versatile pedal. The outer plastic did not hold and started popping out. How it holds your shoe gets inconsistent after a while and the bearings start making a creaking sound. As a beginner mtber i cannot imagine how these would last for anyone even slightly serious biker. Likely good for kids bikes.

Weaknesses: Turns into a broken rattle trap instantly. If you ride trails where objects will bump your pedals, these will not hold up at all.

Bottom Line:

These are the worst pedals I've ever owned. 2nd worst are Shimano M545 (yet even more expensive). On both models my cage began rattling around on the axle/pedal body within a month because none of the pedals are durable enough to handle even the lightest of impacts. The first light/medium impact that the platforms encounter will destroy the interface between the platform & the rest of the pedal body. That's 3 pair of these (1 M424 & 2 M545) that I've blown over $250 on that gave me less than 3 months of total lifespan from the product. That's not even 3 months of life from 1 pair of pedals. It took 3 months of total time on 3 different purchases of these pedals AND $250 of my $! I've had regular $49 Wellgo clipless pedals last through 6 years of pure rock-striking abuse.
I'm done with Shimano clipless/platform pedals. My buddy has gotten 4 years out of his Time Z Strong Mountain Pedals. Maybe I'll try those, but to be honest, I never felt like I was on enough platform on any brand's clipless/platform pedals. It seems like the only pedal that works for me is a fully dedicated clipless model or a full platform model. A clipless/platform pedal is either extra weight for no platform benefits (only platform-ish looks) ie: not enough platform to suffice for getting a fair grip without being clipped in. Trying to stand on these pedals isn't any easier/stable than standing on a clipless pedal while unclipped.
All of the pedal companies companies make these clipless/platform pedals to appease a profittable market demand and tap into the available profits. Truth be known, they do not function in terms of providing a platform that any of us will be able to find stability on while not clipped in. I've come to the conclusion that clipless/platform pedals are made to dress up clipless pedals for those who do not want to look like a "XC rider", but do not like riding real platform pedals. I truly prefer riding platform pedals on certain days & riding clipless on big climbing, non-freeride/dh days. Anything in between (clipless/platform pedals) just doesn't do it at all in the platform sense of the equation. clipless/platform pedals just made/sold to the guys who wanna look more like freeriders than XC, yet need to be clipped in.
SRAM has always been know for bringing warranty for their product, but remember - SHIMANO DOESN'T). If theses pedals were SRAM product, I'd have been covered by warranty/ cust service (as I always have). That doesn't really happen with Shimano products that fail.

Submitted by
shenvalleywc
a Cross Country Rider
from Edinburg, VA, USA

Date Reviewed: February 27, 2012

Strengths: None

Weaknesses: Cheaply made

Bottom Line:

Was out of town and the shop sold these to me highly recommended as a replacement for busted nylon platforms. Didnt last the 5 miles home before the plastic shell came loose. Was eager to go ride, but they fell apart a few miles into the trail. Complete waste of money. Bad first clipless experience

Total useless garbage. I went through two sets of these and within 1km of installation, the right pedal came clear off its axle. It looks like perhaps the batch had the incorrect thread direction because I could "screw" them back on if I pedaled in reverse. LBS was stumped, I demanded a full refund. Shimano's website doesn't accept emails, and the letter I wrote went completely unanswered. This is totally unacceptable and frankly dangerous. Will avoid Shimano like the plague from now on.

Strengths: The cage is plastic but yet too have problems with it, clips in perfectly and same with clipping out

Weaknesses: None yet

Bottom Line:

These pedals no matter what people say are amazing for bmx racing! If falling clipping out is easy, cliping in is amazing. First pair of clips and still act as if I just bought them.I could see how they would break on mtb. But bmx is amazing with these

Strengths: These pedals are easy to clip into and are pretty durable from what ive found. Also work good as platforms.

Weaknesses: Tough to use when trails are muddy.

Bottom Line:

I love these pedals. They are such an upgrade over platforms. They are efficient on uphills, extremely fast and keep me very secure. Like i said they seem to be pretty durable, as ive had one or two rock strikes and no cracks yet. Recommended for the first time clipless user.

Strengths: Great combination of clipless and platform. Especially for North Shore trails, gives great confidence on the technical sections yet provides great efficiency for climbing etc. Nice weight as well.

Weaknesses: plastic / resin casing gives light weight but broke it after 3+ years on a rock in Squamish.

Bottom Line:

Just broke it after 3+ years, buying another pair. I do epic races, Test of Metal and MOMARS and these fit the bill perfectly. I also ride with the 45 degree clips which are great for Shore, Whistler and Squamish, ie. Lots of cloimbing with technical descents.

These things suck. No, you can't ride them unclipped, you slide off on anything bumpy and the cleat interface annoys the balls of your feet. No, they're not any easier to get in to in difficult places, the plastic throws your foot completely clear of the pedal if its vertical. Eventually you'll tag a rock and break the plastic cage. When you cut away the broken plastic you're left with a generation-old xc spd that sheds mud surprisingly poorly. pdm-520's are a much better pedal.

Very good pedal, really comfortable with cycling shoes and clip out when is necesary do it, example fall down. Cage is a little uncomfortable when use normal shoes.
Allows efficient pedaling and very safe foot position this is because allows some lateral foot movements.
Recomendable to knee problems riders.
looks good

Good ped. for the price I paid. I happen to be at a Sports Chalet and could not believe the price. I have another set of these peds. on another bike that I purchased for $70 and have not had any problems yet. I've hit rocks with them and they still spin well. I have not used these in the sand but I have tried in the mud with no problems. The cage helps distribute your foot pressure over a larger area and keeps your foot more comfortable not to mention the added stability they provide. The weight is ok for the benefits they provide. A good trade off. So far so good.